Magnetic toy



Aug. 10 1926.

H. R. M DONALD -MAGNETIC TOY Filed March :5. 1923 fl/VcDona/d.

NVENTOR.

BY &K mal/60% A TTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 10, 1928.

UNITED STATES 1595301 PATENT OFFICE.

HUGE ROBT. HODONALD, OI' VIBGINIA, HDINESOTA.

mamane 'rom Applatio med Ia'oh 3, 1928. Serial No. 828516.

This invention appertains to an improved tog of a novel and instructive character w ich, in addition to affording amusement, also rovides convenient means of instruction n the principles of magnetism.

As an essential object, the invention further contemplates the provision of a magic toy in which a floatng figure, such as a fish or other water-inhabitant, is directed through the execution of a series of manenvers in a body of water bythe apparently 'mystic influence of a magcan s wand.

Specfically, the invention consists in a magnetized figure arranged to float in a bowl, or other receptacle filled with water, and made to balance with the specific gravi-` ty of the water so that the least attraction will cause it to move up or down in the water; a magnetized stick or wand being employed to attract or repel the figure from without the bowl, the magnetic influence of the wand being transmitted through the interposing substance of the bowl.

The invention 'further consistscin the novel Construction and arrangement of the several parts hereinafter set forth and described, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification and in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a view representing the invention as embodied in a toy fish, the fish bowl being shown in section.

Fi re 2 represents a quarter section of the h bowl in which is indicated the up and down or bobbling movement, of the figure as eected by the Waving of the wand.

Fi re 3 is a somewhat similar view in whic however, is indicated the manner of repelling the figure by the reversing of the wand. e

Figure 4 is a vertical central section taken longitudinally of the body of the figure and illustrating the manner of arranging the magnet and fish-tail therein, and

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectonal view of the magnetic' wand. In the specific embodiment herein described, the invention contemplates the provision of a figured body '10 preferably formed to smulate a gold fish although any other object, such as a water-bug, may be used instead, if so desired. From a point adjacent the mouth of the fish a hole 11 is drilled through the body 10 and terminates at the back of the body, close to the tail 12, as shown. Disposed in the hole and thus extending lengthwise of the body of thefish is a round permanent magnet 13. Above the rear end of the magnet the body 10 is provided with a .vertically extending slot 14 in which is engaged the attaching stem 15 of the fish-tail. The tail is formed from' rubber and is flexible, being serviceable in steering the fish besides adding to the lifelike appearanee of the same as it moves through the water; the flexibleness of the tail permitting it to move to either side of the body.

When placed in a suitable bowl or container 16 of water the fish, which is made to balance to a hairs breadth as hereinafter expl'aned, is susceptible to the least attraction of the magnetic'wand 17 and may be caused to bobble up and down in the bowl, back up or move ahead, turn around, and execute various other maneuvers under the magnetic influence of the magcians wand. This wand is made from a straight piece of steel that will retain magnetism to a high degree and is charged permanently with magnetism so that the" north polarity is at one end of the wand and the south polarity at the other end. To prevent impairment prematurel of the wand magnet 17 the latter may e coated with a protective covering of paint or varnish, as shown at 18.

` In connection with the operation of the invention it will be observed that as the fish contains a smaller magnet, the north polarty end of which has a mutual attraction for the south polarity end of the wand and since, also, there exists a like mutual attraction be tween the north polarity end of the wand and the south polarity en'd of the magnet in the fish, the -wand may be used to eit er attract or repel' the fish. When one end of the wand is held a few inches or less from the fish, as in Figure 1, the fish will be attracted to it, the particular end of the fish attracted depending on which end of the I be made to go forward, asin Figure 3, o-r caused to back up, or turn around by movement of the wand. The bobbling of the fish is accomplished by drawing the fish up close to the wand and then moving the latter in a bobbling manner, either up or down as indicated in the full and dotted line structure of Figure 2, or in a sidewise'Tdirecton; the fish necessarily imitatin the movements of the wand though the two be separated by the wall ot the fish bowl which is preferably of glass or other non-magnetic substanca through which the magnetic influence is readily transmitted.

The specific gravity of the fish is made as nearlyequal to that of water as possible, and made permanent, except perhaps that it may be just a shade heavier than the water. Vith this end in view the body 10 is preferably constructed ethe-rd Wood and boiled in linseed oil which is absorbed in sufficient quantity to render the body water-proof` se that it may not become water logged and have its specific gravity changed thereby. A suitable creating 19 of paint and varn'sh is then applied to the body to give it a finishing touch; the tail 12 being also provided with a light coating to prevent its deterioration The fish can be made to balance itsel partway between the top and bottom of the bowl or -container 16 by adding salt in the water which adds to the specific gravity of the latter. The tendency of the fish to remain submerged as described also gives it a realistic touch enhancing its lifelike appearance.

If left alone in the water, the fish acts as a compass by heading north and south. By reason of its magnetic property it will in- Variably assume this position when uninfluenced by the magnetic wand and if placed in the water facing north. will turn and face south of its own accord. h

From the foregoing it will be seen that the invention not only provides an enjoyable and fun-furnishing toy of a mystic character to the uninitiated but also, a device having an educational value in many respects' and embodying means of utilizing the principles of magnetism in an instructive and helptul manner.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desre to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A magnetic toy comprising a buoyant figure adapted to fioat in a body or" water, a

magnetized magican's wand for directing the said figure through various maneuvers, and a magnet extending lengthwise through a submerged portion of the said figure but having the unlike poles exposed at relatively opposite ends of the figure whereby the said wand may be used to attract, repel, or otherwise influence either end ot the said ligure, said magnet being adjacent the bottom of the figure and centrally of its opposite sides so that it tends to stablize and 'twld the figure upright in the water.

2. A nagnetic toy eonprising a magnetized figure adapted to loat in a body of wa ter and comprising a body of buoyant materal having an opening extending lengthwise through a lower longitudinal portion of the said body and having a Vertically extending slot at one end, a magnet extending lengthwise through the said opening with its opposite ends exposed at the terminals of the opening, and a tail offlexible rubber having an attaching stem engaged in the said slot of the said body.

In testimony wheredf I afl'x my signature.

HUGH ROBT. MCDONALD. 

